Mike Hull headed for injured reserve for Miami Dolphins

Saturday

One of the best Miami Dolphins special teams players is slated to miss at least the first eight weeks of the NFL season.

Linebacker Mike Hull, who suffered a knee injury during the preseason, is headed to injured reserve, according to a league source. It’s possible the transaction may not occur until after final cuts.

Hull suffered an MCL injury last month and he was unable to return in time for the season opener.

Hull started three games last season. He also had 26 tackles and 9 special teams tackles, second on the team. Hull was running third team linebacker this summer, behind second-teamers Chase Allen and Terence Garvin.

But the Dolphins cut Garvin on Saturday. This means Miami will likely go with Kiko Alonso-Raekwon McMillan-Jerome Baker-Chase Allen-Stephone Anthony.

Anthony has not had a very strong preseason. And it is entirely possible the Dolphins scour the waiver wire for another addition.

Teams do not have to designate the two players who may be able to return from injured reserve in advance. The possibility of Hull returning later in the season is real, because of his special teams value.

This offseason, Miami special teams ace Walt Aikens cited Hull and Allen as two special teams players who have stood out as leaders.